Lionel Messi Scores and Inspires Team in Crucial Qualifying Match

Argentina – (Special Correspondent / Web Desk) – Lionel Messi delivered a dream performance by scoring twice in his last World Cup qualifier on home soil as Argentina defeated Venezuela 3-0 on Thursday. Paraguay and Colombia also confirmed their spots for the 2026 World Cup in North America.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, 38, has not revealed his retirement plans but confirmed this was his final home qualifier. The World Cup champions, already qualified for Canada, Mexico, and the US, dominated from the start, creating early chances through Nicolas Tagliafico and Franco Mastantuono, only to be denied by Venezuela’s goalkeeper Rafael Romo.

Messi broke the deadlock in the 39th minute after receiving a perfect pass from Julian Alvarez and firing into the top corner. In the second half, Argentina continued to press, but their second goal came in the 76th minute when Lautaro Martinez scored with a diving header from Nico Gonzalez’s cross.

Just four minutes later, Messi scored again, this time assisted by Thiago Almada, sealing an emotional night for the captain. “Finishing this way here with my people is a dream come true,” Messi said after the match. “I’ve felt love from Barcelona fans for years, and I wanted that here in my country too.”

When asked about retirement, Messi, who holds a record 36 goals in South American qualifiers, admitted, “It’s not something I like or expect, but time moves on.”

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Argentina leads the South American qualifying table with 38 points and will face Ecuador in their last group match. Venezuela, seventh with 18 points, will host Colombia in hopes of keeping their playoff spot as Bolivia trails by one point.

Elsewhere, Brazil climbed to second with a 3-0 win over Chile, thanks to goals from Estevao, Lucas Paqueta, and Bruno Guimaraes. Uruguay is third after beating Peru 3-0 with goals from Rodrigo Aguirre, Giorgian de Arrascaeta, and Federico Vinas. Ecuador dropped to fourth after a goalless draw against Paraguay, who booked their first World Cup appearance in 16 years. Colombia also secured qualification with a 3-0 win over Bolivia, with James Rodriguez, Jhon Cordoba, and Juan Fernando Quintero scoring.